Sir Ranulph begins desert challenge

Sir Ranulph Fiennes today begins his attempt to become the oldest Briton to complete the Marathon des Sables – a gruelling six-day ultra-marathon in the Moroccan desert.

The explorer, who turned 71 in March, will face temperatures of more than 50C and endless sand dunes in a challenge dubbed the toughest footrace on Earth.

It covers 251 kilometres (155 miles) including the distance of a marathon a day and a double marathon one day, with runners carrying everything they need on their backs.

Despite suffering two heart attacks, undergoing a double heart bypass, a cancer operation and an on-going fight with diabetes, Sir Ranulph is embarking on this massive challenge to raise money for UK charity Marie Curie.

The money raised will help it provide more free care and support to people living with a terminal illness.

Sir Ranulph said: “I’m putting my life on the line for Marie Curie. People say I must be mad, especially as I don’t like the heat, but it’s what you’ve got to do to raise money for amazing charities like Marie Curie, who provide people living with a terminal illness with the care they and their family desperately need.”

Performance coach Rory Coleman, who has completed the Marathon des Sables 11 times and has been training Sir Ranulph, said: “Sir Ranulph has been through a tough training schedule, and I feel he is now well prepared for what lies ahead. I can’t wait to see him with the finishers’ medal around his neck at the finish line.”

Since news of Sir Ranulph’s challenge was announced in January, supporters from around the world have been sending him good wishes.

This week he received a message from the Prince of Wales, who wished him the very best of luck.

Sir Ranulph said: “I have been extremely humbled by the messages of support I have received, not least from His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, ahead of this challenge.

“After months of training I feel ready to go, and my focus is solely on completing this event in order to support Marie Curie and the marvellous work this charity does for people living with a terminal illness, and their families.”

Chief executive of Marie Curie Dr Jane Collins said: “We are thrilled and privileged that Sir Ranulph has chosen to undertake another huge challenge for the charity. He has quite literally gone to the end of the earth and back to raise money for Marie Curie. His determination and ability to push himself to his limits is truly inspiring. We hope Sir Ranulph will inspire others to take on their own personal challenge in aid of Marie Curie and help us care for more people living with a terminal illness.”

People wishing to donate to the challenge were urged to visit www.justgiving.com/ranulph or text RUN to 70007 to donate £5 plus a message of support to Sir Ranulph.